Moments D331: Mindfulness Walk #2

Today was my second mindfulness walk. It was also the second day walking in big beautiful snowflakes.

During my walk I focused on the fluffy snowflakes as they fell. When there was no wind, they drifted slowly from the sky. When the wind kicked up, they swirled about me tickling my face. I know a lot of my co-workers were complaining about the snowfall on our fist day of spring. Not I. I loved not only watching it, but being outside in the snowfall to really enjoy it. After all, it may be the last snowfall I see until the end of this year.

Moments enjoying what I have today.

Moments appreciating the last of winter on the first day of spring.

Moments D330: Bitter Sweet

Today one of our own had a door of opportunity open for her. A brilliant opportunity in fact. A brilliant opportunity for a brilliantly talented soul.

It was a bitter sweet moment. I’m excited for her, but I’m sad to see her go.

Today a beautiful bird streched her wings and I watch on as she prepares to take flight and leave the nest.

Moments celebrating talent.
Moments celebrating change.

Moments D329: Mindfulness

After a visit to my ND (who, incidentally I adore and respect all at the same time), it’s become ever more apparent that I need to instil more mindful moments into my days.

I find this a touch amusing that my prescription from this last appointment was to be mindful. After all, this is very much what my daily blog is about - being mindful and appreciating moments. Apparently, it isn’t enough. On some level, I know this to be true. On some level, I know I need more. There are days where the race feels to be consuming me. The race against time, the race against the “to do” list, the race to keep up with friends and family. It very quickly reminded of the “Jar of Life” story I heard many moons ago.

And so, I was reminded to take care of my health first. Set my priorities and work towards them in a mindful manner. Yes. An even more mindful manner.

From today forward, I vow to take at least a 20 minute lunch break - to walk mindfully and focus on what’s around me in the moment. No deadlines, no drop-ins, no phone calls, no answers to offer. Twenty minutes in the middle of a hectic stressful day to carve out as my own.

It’s been coming down the pipe for awhile in that I’ve known for awhile that I couldn’t keep running at this pace without consequences. Actually, come to think of it, I’ve had a few consequences. But now that they become ever more serious, it’s time to give my heart, my adrenal system and my mind a break. Pause. Breathe. Repeat.

I can do this.

Moments of realization.

Moments walking past the “to do” list.

Moments D328: Birthday wishes from a complete stranger

This evening one I found myself showered with one more birthday wish. I was surprised and it is not easy to surprise me.

Getting a “You go Girl” and a belated birthday wish from one of my readers was an incredible moment. After all, I figure I’m just writing drivel most of the time. Sure a special moment to me, a little insight to my soul and, of course, I hope to inspire others with my words. We run a fast race this life of ours. If I manage to inspire a few to slow their pace and see the world around them a little more closely I feel like I’ve found a sliver of success.

For me, that small comment was a present I wasn’t expecting. And one that I will cherish.

Moments of surprise.

Moments wondering if maybe your words are being heard.

Moments D327: Ahhhhhhh

Today was spa day at the Scandinave Spa. I’ve been planning on this day since mid-January. I was inspired to have my best friend join me in this luxurious day of relaxation last September when I was up here on my own. And even though we were down two players for this part of the weekend (and therefore not quite perfect as planned), it was an amazing way to end an amazing weekend.

A massage. Hot baths, plunge pools, sauna, steam room with eucalyptus and relaxation rooms with a gorgeous view. Heaven after running hard and fast for a couple of months. Heaven after working hard and writing an exam. Heaven spending quiet time with your best friends. No words necessary.

Beautiful.

I’m now ready for the next two months of running hard. Maybe I need to make this a quarterly treat. Hmmmmm. Me and my mushy brain can’t seem to find a reason to say no to that.

The weekend came to a quick close, but we all felt like we were away for longer than just two days. That’s the joy about going away from everything. It’s not your house. It’s not mine. There are no other distractions. Just the day at hand. The evening. Being present and enjoying the moments.

There were many, MANY moments. Shared secrets, shared fears, shared sickness, much shared laughter and many, many hugs.

I love my friends. I had the perfect birthday weekend. (Well, minus the fact thatI forgot the coffee!) Seriously - it was a perfect weekend. I look forward to the next time we can enjoy time together.

Moments of utter relaxation and feeling revitalized.

Moments of peace within.

#moments #friends #spa #quiet #birthday

Moments D326: St. Paddy's Day Breakfast (a day early)

This morning I was responsible for one thing. Coffee. I had five beautiful friends eagerly awaiting the smell of coffee brewing.

Now, I didn’t forget the coffee. I actually brought it. What I didn’t think about was the fact that I brought beans. Full coffee beans. A delightful coffee bean. Guess how hard it is to make coffee from beans without a coffee beangrinder.

Whoops!

And even though there was a lack of aroma to wake to, my best friends were still all smiles. I think I was more annoyed with myself than they were!

So, instead of a slow-to-rise morning, we jumped up and got out to head into town for coffee and breakfast.

We ended up at Sunset Grill at Blue Mountain. Honestly, it wasn’t our first choice. In the end however we were VERY happy that we ended up in the care of Vicki.

Vicki was our server. She was amazing. All decked out in St. Paddy’s day attire, complete with flashing green clover earrings. Bright, quick and ready to tease along with us, we immediately fell in love with her. And this crowd, well, we’re not shy to share the love. Within minutes of being seated we had coffee (after a laugh at my faux pas) and a jug of water (yes we were very dehydrated!). Vicki took the best care of us.

And as we waited for our ordered meals, we suddenly had two plates of three pancakes each (there were six of us) with a blue candle for the birthday boy and a pink candle for the birthday girl and we were being serenaded; serenaded by a team of staff all decked out in green. It was surreal. It was a surprise and we all fell a little more in love with Vicki because was really paying attention to us.

Surprise birthday celebrations over breakfast! Beautiful.

It was just another beautiful moment to stack onto an already beautiful weekend.

Moments enjoying the generosity of complete strangers. And yes. Next time, Sunset Grill at Blue Mountain will be our first choice. Win.

Moments of surprise.

Moments D325: Friends toasting friends

Tonight we celebrated my birthday. Tonight we also celebrated one of my bestie’s birthday. And we had fun. A lot of fun.

But there was one very very special moment. It was when my best friends, together in one room toasted each other. They had a moment where they celebrated how incredible THEY were.

It was a beautiful thing to watch. Here, in a room were five amazing souls. Once upon a time I brought them together. Now they love each other too. It was almost like a proud mama moment. These the people I love most in my life. The ones that have been there for me through thick and thin. We have shared life changing moments together, we have been silly together. We have been annoyed with one another and we have been proud and supportive. We have cried and laughed through many moments.

We are best friends. And I am lucky and grateful for these people in my life. And tonight, they celebrated each other. It was a beautiful.

Best moments with your best friends.